Shih Tzu Care- Grooming Essentials

Shih Tzu care can be made easy provided you are well equipped with information as to the proper methods and techniques on how to do it. It is important for you as dog owner that you master the craft in grooming, bathing and cleaning your dog in general. But it is equally important to get the necessary tools and equipment needed.

Dogs no matter what breed need regular grooming. There are various tools to aide every dog owners in their grooming endeavor. Below is the list:

1. Combs

It is best to use combs when working with your dog's coat. Dog comb comes in two types; wide-toothed comb and fine one. Tangles and mats can be removed using a wide-toothed comb while fine comb is used for finishing or final work.

Dogs with soft and long coat are best groomed using a pin brush while bristle brush is good for dogs with short coat. To prevent injuring the skin of your canine friend, choose a comb with blunt tips.

2. Scissors

Scissors are used for clipping or trimming your dog's hair. There are two types of scissors for dogs; ordinary scissors and thinning shears. Don't be deceived with costly and popular brands of scissors; what is important is that they function well based on their purpose.

Three scissors in trimming dogs are thinning model, ordinary scissor with long blades and a scissor with short blunt-pointed blades.

3. Nail Clippers

There are two types of nail clipper for your dog's nails. The first is the one of guillotine style and the second is the one with sickle blades. Nail clippers with sickle blades should be used to large dogs with thick, rigid nails because guillotine style doesn't work properly on them.

Manicure tweezers and pliers can also be used when there is no canine nail clipper available. The latter can be used to really strong nails. Just remember to use these two items with care.

4. Grooming Table

Grooming table makes grooming session easy preventing you to crouch. Professional grooming table usually have devices to fix an animal, suspended sacks for trimmed hair, stands, shelves and boxes for grooming tools.

Grooming table for home use is simpler. It is only a table with a non-slip surface usually placed with soft towel or rubber mat on the surface of the table.